by Alexandra Nicole Nuralam

9 Lip Products That Won’t Smudge Under Your Mask

If your everyday makeup look consists of a bold lipstick, you might have decided to give it up with the new normal of wearing face masks. A bold lip can be prone to bleeding, feathering or smudging very easily, but wearing a protective face mask? It takes the difficulty up another notch—having it rub and smear all over your mask isn’t a good look. Besides, wearing a mask will probably leave you with more upper lip sweat than you like, so a creamy lipstick is likely to slip and slide all over by the time you reach your destination. 

Which is why we have two simple solutions: liquid lipstick or lip stain. When you’re looking for the ideal tube, opt for a liquid lipstick that dries down quickly, or a stain that’ll sink into the lip without making a mess. 

As for application, you can prep with a lip balm, then line your lips to help keep the lip product in place. Use a tissue to lightly blot off any excess lipstick after applying. Alternatively, use a small brush to dust a little translucent powder to set the lipstick and make it last longer.

Here are the best smudge-proof lipsticks you can go ahead and add to cart right now.

YSL Beaute Tatouage Couture Velvet Cream

YSL’s popular matte liquid lip is a cult-favourite, thanks to its high colour payoff and lightweight, non-sticky texture that feels comfortable on the lips. The angled applicator also makes it easy to shape and follow the outline of your lips.

Dior Addict Lip Tattoo

This first long-wear lip tint by Dior is comfortable on the lips and offers up to 12hours of wear, all while promising weightless, “no transfer” finish that sticks to the lips like a tattoo just seconds after application.

Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color

This one from Fenty Beauty is famous for its long-lasting finish. All you need is a small amount to get the full payoff. To apply it sheer, add a thin layer for a tinge of colour. Plus, it has a range of head-turning shades that look great on all skin tones.

Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment

This smudge-resistant lip pigment from Nars will be your one-stop solution for beautiful matte lips that last the whole day. It has rich pigmentation, as the name implies, and isn’t too drying on the lips either.

Benefit Cosmetics Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain

Another cult-fave and a classic. Once you apply this, it won’t budge. The precise applicator glides right on lips and blends over cheeks for a gorgeous, sun-kissed look. Once you reach your destination, top it with a little clear gloss for a pretty glow.

Clarins Water Lip Stain

This water lip stain from Clarins is rich in plant ingredients (great for your lips!) and has a pretty matte finish that feels like nothing on your lips.

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick

This creamy-matte, full-coverage lip colour from Stila delivers bold, long-lasting colour and promises to stay in place for up to six hours. Its lightweight texture is comfortable on the lips and won’t bleed or transfer. It’s even enriched with vitamin E and avocado oil to soften the lips for a gorgeous pout.

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick

One of our all-time favourites: the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick features hydrating, soothing and nourishing ingredients for your lips while maintaining a matte finish.

Armani Beauty Ecstasy Mirror

This one from Armani Beauty isn’t technically a lip stain or tint, but it acts like one. When you first coat your lips, there’s a high-shine finish, but blot it and it shifts from glossy to matte.